Today, December 12, the fashion world lost a legend. At 100, fashion legend Polly Mellen has passed away. The esteemed American stylist began her fashion career circa 1950 at Mademoiselle. Shortly after, Mellen began working at Harper’s Bazaar and under the tutelage of the equally as legendary Diana Vreeland. Mellen (after leaving the fashion world behind to start a family) ultimately followed Vreeland to Vogue. Mellen rapidly became known for her work with photographer Richard Avedon. “The Great Fur Caravan” starring German model Veruschka von Lehndorff from the October 15, 1966 issue of Vogue is widely regarded as the most expensive fashion editorial ever produced. The revered stylist was also responsible for the iconic nude photograph of Nastassja Kinski for Vogue‘s October 1981 edition. Below, members of theFashionSpot forums pay tribute to Polly Mellen.
Read below the tributes of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“First time in my life I cried for a fashion figure.” [helmutnotdead]
“Rest in peace LEGEND!” [DK92]
“100! What a career. Rest in Peace.” [KoV]
“An Icon! RIP.” [Rigida]
“A truly definition of an icon. She’ll be deeply missed. Rest in peace, wonderful lady.” [thiago]
“100 years-old! That’s a life! Polly Mellen is one of the most important figures in fashion and truly one of a kind. The joy and energy put in her work are something we miss so much these days. She is the one who emptied the pocket of Condé Nast and gave us one of, if not, the most beautiful editorials ever. RIP.” [GivenchyAddict]
“Ms. Polly! you lived an amazing live and immortalized yourself through the iconic imagery you gifted us in the formerly great Vogue. your child-like enthusiasm is cherished and always missed.” [TerraVera]
Share your own tribute to Polly Mellen over on theFashionSpot forums, here.
